Turkmenistan Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, Asia, covering a total area of 488,100 km². It is a landlocked country with no coastline. Turkmenistan shares land borders with 4 countries.
📐 Geographic Statistics
Where is Turkmenistan Located?
Turkmenistan is situated in Central Asia, within the broader continent of Asia. As a landlocked country, Turkmenistan has no direct access to the sea; all borders are shared with other nations. Historically, this shaped trade routes and development, with the country relying on agreements with neighbours for access to international shipping. The capital, Ashgabat, is the country's main hub for commerce and administration. Within the Central Asia region, Turkmenistan sits alongside countries including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Size and Area of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan covers a total area of 488,100 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 6.1M across this territory, the population density works out at 13/km²: one of the more sparsely populated countries, with vast stretches of largely uninhabited land.
Climate of Turkmenistan
The climate of Turkmenistan is hot desert, extreme heat in summer. The most favourable time to visit is March–May, September–October, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.
🗺️ Countries Bordering Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan shares land borders with 4 countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran. This large number of shared borders reflects Turkmenistan's central geographical position within Central Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkmenistan's Geography
Where is Turkmenistan located?
Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, Asia. The capital city is Ashgabat.
How large is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a total area of 488,100 km² with a population density of 13/km².
What countries border Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan shares land borders with 4 countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran.
Does Turkmenistan have a coastline?
No: Turkmenistan is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by other countries, with no access to the sea.
What is the climate of Turkmenistan?
The climate of Turkmenistan is Hot desert, extreme heat in summer. The best time to visit is March–May, September–October.
What timezone is Turkmenistan in?
Turkmenistan observes UTC+5 timezone.
What continent is Turkmenistan in?
Turkmenistan is in Asia, specifically in the Central Asia region.
When did Turkmenistan become independent?
Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991.